The Broker Link

On this episode of The Broker Link, host David Ireland sits down with The Brokerage Inc.'s Compliance Director, Diana McElroy, for an important AEP compliance update. Diana breaks down several key rule changes and reminders for agents, including the elimination of the 48-hour waiting period for collecting a Scope of Appointment for 2027 plans, while clarifying that the requirement still applies to 2026 plans. They also discuss updated guidelines for educational and sales events, including how to schedule the two types of events back-to-back. The conversation also covers the TPMO disclaimer and the October 1 deadline for updating the required disclaimer language, along with common compliance complaints involving incorrect benefit explanations and provider network issues. Diana also explains the requirements surrounding SSBCI benefits for chronically ill individuals, including the need to verify that consumers meet the necessary health qualifications before benefits are available. David and Diana discuss tighter Special Enrollment Period requirements and why agents must confirm consumers meet the appropriate criteria before completing an enrollment. With AEP approaching, this episode provides agents with important compliance reminders and practical guidance to help them stay informed and prepared. Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday. Join our Community! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/

On this episode of The Broker Link, National Health Sales Director Mike Papuc introduces The Brokerage Inc.'s new partnership with Aflac, highlighting the importance of diversification for today's insurance agents. Mike is joined by Bradley Cross and Craig Andrews of Aflac, who discuss the companies' shared commitment to mutual growth and protecting policyholders. As a Fortune 500 company with a long-standing reputation in supplemental insurance, Aflac offers products designed to help individuals and seniors address gaps left by major medical coverage. The conversation explores Aflac's supplemental product portfolio, including dental, accident, critical illness, and cancer insurance, and how these solutions can give agents more opportunities to meet their clients' individual needs. Bradley and Craig also emphasize the importance of conducting a thorough needs analysis and taking advantage of Aflac's training and educational resources. With strong brand recognition and a focus on policyholder protection, the partnership gives agents another tool to diversify their business while helping clients prepare for the unexpected. Listen to the latest episode of The Broker Link to learn more about the Aflac partnership and the opportunities it brings to The Brokerage Inc. agents. Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday. Join our Community! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/

On this episode of The Broker Link, host Mike Smith sits down with Jonas Roeser, CEO of AgentReview.net, to discuss why building a trusted and verified online identity is becoming increasingly important for insurance agents. As consumers turn to AI and online search to find insurance professionals, Jonas explains how agents can establish their digital presence and protect their professional identity. He describes AgentReview.net as a trusted platform designed specifically for insurance agents—helping consumers find and verify agents, much like other industries have platforms such as Zillow and Avvo. Jonas also breaks down the platform's different options, from a free agent listing to paid tiers and the verified agent program, which includes ongoing third-party verification. The conversation highlights the growing importance of protecting agents from identity fraud while making it easier for consumers—and increasingly, AI—to recognize legitimate professionals. Mike and Jonas also discuss the Brokerage Bucks program, which reimburses eligible agents who join AgentReview.net. Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday. Join our Community! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/

On this episode of The Broker Link, National Health Sales Director Mike Papuc sits down with Kyle Rogers of MedMutual Protect to discuss why diversification is becoming increasingly important for health insurance agents. With changes impacting the ACA marketplace, Medicare commissions, and carrier participation, Mike and Kyle explore how agents can expand their portfolios with supplemental health insurance solutions. Kyle highlights Med Mutual Protect's à la carte product offerings, including specified disease, accident, and fixed indemnity coverage, designed to help provide affordable protection while addressing gaps in traditional health plans. The conversation also covers simplified medical underwriting, nationwide coverage, and options that can help clients manage deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. With Med Mutual Protect celebrating 70 years in the industry, Kyle emphasizes the company's focus on stability, affordability, and accessible coverage. For agents, the message is clear: diversification can create new opportunities, provide more solutions for clients, and open the door to additional revenue streams. Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday. Join our Community! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/

On this episode of The Broker Link, Josh Slattery and David Ireland continue the 2027 AEP Carrier Rollout Series with a look at the strategic direction of three major players in the Medicare market: UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Wellcare. Chapters: :00 - 1:15 Open 1:15 - 20:30 Wellcare 20:30 - 50:51 UnitedHealthcare 50:51 - 1:13:13 Humana The conversation explores how each carrier is adapting to a changing healthcare landscape, focusing on profitability, quality, technology, and members' evolving needs. David and Josh discuss Wellcare's efforts to strengthen its Medicaid and Medicare businesses and stabilize its workforce and operations heading into 2027. They also examine UnitedHealthcare's focus on quality, innovation, and streamlining prior authorization, along with the company's continued growth. Humana's strategy centers on prioritizing quality over volume and making benefit adjustments designed to support long-term sustainability. Technology and artificial intelligence are another key part of the discussion, as both UnitedHealthcare and Humana invest in tools designed to improve the member experience and create greater operational efficiency. For agents preparing for 2027 AEP, understanding these carriers' strategic direction can provide valuable perspective as they evaluate plans and prepare for the year ahead. Listen now to Part 2 of The Broker Link's 2027 AEP Carrier Rollout Series. If you missed Part 1, with HealthSpring & Aetna, go back and listen to that episode as well. Learn more about partnering with The Brokerage Inc. by visiting our website, www.thebrokerageinc.com. Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! New episodes are available every Tuesday. Join our Community! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-brokerage-inc-/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrokerageinc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrokerageinc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBrokerageIncTexas Website: https://thebrokerageinc.com/